no, its never really worked well for me.skype at least tells me that there are messages, but mail doesnt tell me jack, unless its the lock screen.

ok open mail,go to charms then hit settings,then account,click your account. Is download new email set as "As Item Arrives"??? Try to cycle that to manual, sync your mail,then change it back to As Item Arrives.

yeah tried that, switched it off and then back on.
i sent an email to myself, and the ipad/iphone got the email, but the laptop didnt, until i manually went into email and opened the app.....
might have to delete the account and reinstall i guess